MONDAY NIGHT MAILBOX THEFTS
Yesterday, the Westport Police Department responded to multiple reports of mail stolen overnight from mailboxes, and discarded in several neighborhoods.
Areas include Hillspoint Road, Prospect Road, Greens Farms Road and Compo Beach area.
Police suspect that thieves were seeking items of value and checks, credit cards, etc.
Residents can help reduce opportunities for theft by:
- Retrieving mail and packages as soon as possible after delivery.
- Arranging for a trusted neighbor to collect deliveries when away from home.
- Using secure delivery locations, parcel lockers or signature confirmation when available.
- Signing up for delivery notifications, and tracking expected packages.
- Hand delivering any outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive information directly to a post office facility.
- Arranging for a mail hold when traveling.
- Installing security cameras or video doorbells to help monitor delivery areas.
- Reporting suspicious activity around mailboxes, mailrooms, and residential properties.
If you believe your mail or a package has been stolen, report the incident and provide tracking information, delivery confirmations, photographs or video footage.
Residents should also notify the delivery carrier or postal service and contact the sender or retailer regarding missing shipments.
Anyone with information about these incidents should call the WPD: 203-341-6000.
Discarded mail after thefts, in the Compo Beach neighborhood.
PARKS & REC WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION BEGINS
Registration has begun, for Parks & Recreation Department winter programs.
They include:
- Ice skating: Parent and Tot, Tot Basic, Intro to Figure Skating, and Inclusive Skating.
- Winter tennis: Indoor offerings at Sylvan Tennis Club.
- Pickleball: Indoor play at Northeast Athletic Center.
- Aquatics: Westport Swim Club, water polo and lifeguarding classes.
For youth basketball: Click here for grades 2-12. Click here for pre-K and 1st grade.
A water polo clinic over the Thanksgiving holiday, led by Barcelona International Water Polo Academy, focuses on skill development and tactical training.
A new beginner fencing program for ages 10–14 launches in January.
For program details, registration, fees and other information, click here. Questions? Call 203-341-5152.
WAKEMAN, PJ ROMANO LIGHTS: CLARIFICATION
Yesterday, “06880” reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 on Tuesday to allow lights on Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields.
Two clarifications: commissioner Craig Schiavone asked the Parks & Recreation Commission to ensure that games are not played on nights that there are other student or parent activities planned at Saugatuck Elementary School — not Staples, as originally reported — to cut down on traffic, and ensure adequate parking.
It should be noted too that lights will be allowed Mondays through Saturdays only. There will be no lights on Sundays.
Restrictions on the use of lights at PJ Romano Field, behind Saugatuck Elementary School, will help alleviate traffic concerns. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
voter guide to 2026 election: be ballot smart!
Voting is underway. On the ballot: Candidates for governor, Congress, and the Connecticut General Assembly.
Who you gonna vote for? Check out CT Mirror’s comprehensive Voter Guide. It includes candidate information, district maps, and links to the site’s non-profit, non-partisan election coverage. Click here for all you ever wanted to know about today’s state politics.
Don’t dog it! Check out CT Mirror’s Voter Guide. (Photo/Jo Shields)
Speaking of the election: on Monday, the League of Women Voters Westport hosted a debate with 4th District congressional candidates Jim Himes, Michael Goldstein and Ben Wesley, at the Westport Library.
Click here or below to watch. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
positive directions: $125K to PREVENT UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRUGS
Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention & Counseling has been awarded a 5-year grant of $125,000. The funds, from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, will expand efforts to prevent underage alcohol and cannabis use in Westport.
The grant builds on a collaboration between Positive Directions, Westport’s Human Services and Police Departments, the Aspetuck Health District, Westport Public Schools, parents and guardians, youth, and other community partners.
The grant will fund a full-time prevention coordinator and youth peer advocate at Positive Directions. It will also support expanded youth leadership opportunities, parent and caregiver education, community awareness efforts, substance-free teen activities, and enhanced prevention strategies.
robo wreckers reach out
This spring, the Staples High School Robotics Club team won the RAINS Drone Competition. as All-Around Champions.
This year, they’re spreading their robotic wings. They’ll compete in Aerial Drone and SeaPerch.
The “Robo Wreckers” are giving back too. Club members are writing an open-source drone curriculum for other Connecticut schools. They hope to get drone kits into schools that can’t afford them.
To make it all happen, they’ve started a GoFundMe. Donations will go toward competition fees, drone kits, parts, travel and more. Click here to help.
Staples Robotics Club
SHERRY JAGERSON’S SUSTAINABLE FOUNTAIN
The new water refill station at Winslow Park has an even newer name.
On Sunday, Sustainable Westport dedicated its contribution to conservation in memory of Sherry Jagerson.
Family, friends and neighbors celebrated the longtime environmental activist.
Earth Animal joined Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department as partners. The many dogs on hand enjoyed natural dog treats, and a basket of earth-friendly toys and accessories.
The Winslow Park refill station is part of UnPlastic Westport, Sustainable Westport’s community-wide effort to reduce single-use plastic. More stations are planned around town. To help fund the next one, click here.
Fill ‘er up!
GOOD VIBEZ FOR GIRLS
Good Vibez is a great idea.
Two Westport moms organize retreats for girls ages 11–15. They build healthy habits, boost confidence, and learn practical tools to help them feel their best, while having fun.
Each retreat is led by a team of professionals. Activities include yoga, mindfulness and meditation, healthy cooking lessons. art projects, group discussions and opportunities for reflection and connection.
The goal is to create a warm, uplifting environment where girls can unplug, recharge, and leave feeling more confident and grounded.
The next retreat is Sunday, November 22 (10:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). For more information and registration, click here.
CAREER COACH: JOB STRATEGIES, EXCEL, POWERPOINT
The “Career Coach” returns to the Westport Library parking lot tomorrow (Thursday, October 22), for a session on “Job Seeker Strategies for the Digital Age.”
Future sessions include “Excel II” (November 19) and “Intro to PowerPoint” (December 17).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
HALLOWEEN ON HILLANDALE
Today’s spooky Halloween decorating scene comes from the free library at the Hillandale Road/Morningside Drive South corner:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
OBITUARY: BERNIE ORENSTEIN
Noted television comedy writer and producer, and longtime Westport and Weston resident, Bernie Orenstein died September 14. He was 95.
Throughout his 40-year career he collaborated with stars like Joan Rivers, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Dick Van Dyke, Marlo Thomas, Redd Foxx and Bing Crosby.
With creative partner Saul Turteltaub he wrote and produced classics including “That Girl,” “The New Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Cosby,” “What’s Happening!!” and
“Sanford and Son.”
Bernie was also a generous mentor and educator, inspiring a new generation of writers and producers through LIU Brooklyn’s TV Writers Studio MFA program.
He is survived by beloved wife Barbara Rhoades Orenstein; children Lisa, Barbara, Jenny and Alec; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
For an obituary in the Hollywood Reporter, click here.
Bernie Orenstein
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE day
“Egrets” — the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Babette Bloch — enhances Canal Park every day.
These days, it too is enhanced — by the trees and plants that surround it. John Maloney’s autumnal shot is a golden addition to our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
(Photo/John Maloney)
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And finally … mail theft is no laughing matter.
But it did remind us of:
(You don’t need to take an airplane, or even a fast train. Just click here to support “06880.” We don’t care how much money you spend — we’re just glad you’ve got our hyper-local blog’s back. Thanks!)
The “Wreckers 577” team obliterated 21 schools from New England, New York and Pennsylvania at last weekend’s tournament at Kingswood Oxford School. The Wreckers defeated all other teams in their division through 5 challenges, then swept the semifinals and finals.